I have had extremely positive experiences dealing with a vet who was original schooled as a traditional vet and later entered the holistic approach. I trust his judgement about which course of action to try first for any problem. He knows the pluses/minuses to both sides. Let me share a bit of my story and my experience with him and even a bit about how he came to be involved in holistic care.
I used to have a pair of Bichon Frises. One day, my male could not walk - I took him to my traditional vet and he said he had likely had a stroke. He gave Andre a cortisone shot and told me if I didn't see any improvement in 48 hrs, I would have to put him down. After 2 miserable days and nights of sleeping on the floor with my beloved dog - who had sired some of the earliest Bichons in Des Moines - I knew we were at the end.
But on the second day there was a story in the newspaper about a new vet in town who did accupuncture - I called Dr. Van up and he said he thought he might be able to help. Andre had one treatment and then we went back the next day - after the second treatment Andre got up and WALKED!!
He was hesitant at first, but very quickly he improved!!
He later would run
He lived for almost another 2 years because of the accupuncture treatment. He went on a regular basis for awhile and then on an occasional basis.
Dr. Gary Van Engelenburg and his wife, Vicki, and the rest of the staff at Iowa Veterinary Acupuncture Clinic are unbelievable. Dr. Van was a regular vet for years, but that did stop him from learning new holistic techniques.
In the winter of 1991 while attending a conference he was "made aware" of acupuncture. He was a total disbeliever and skeptic but attended some meetings out of curiosity to see what kind of "strange people" would try such foolish things in practice. After several sessions total disbelief turned into mild curiosity and Dr. Van started training in April 1991.
Now he travels all over the world training others about vet. accupuncture and he is used frequently with the large animals, ie horses, bulls.
learn more about accupuncture, herbs, and the best nutrition for your loveable furry friends at his site
http://www.apvet.com or from a link on his page I found this site where you can search by your city and state for an accupucture vet:
http://www.ivas.org/member_search.cfm
I have referred many friends to Dr. Van, all have came back with the best experience. Of course part of that is his calm demeanor, but wouldn't you want a doctor for yourself who is schooled in the most diverse methods? Why ask for less for your pets.
Yorkiesmiles